World AIDS Day 2024: Is the World Closer to Ending AIDS Pandemic by 2030?

Every year, the world celebrates World AIDS Day on December 1 to end HIV-related stigma, to show support for people affected by and living with HIV and to honor those who have lost their lives to AIDS. The UNAIDS asserts that nearly 40 million people were living with HIV in 2023; however, a 60% reduction has been observed in new HIV infections since the peak in 1995. Meanwhile, the war is by no means over.

HIV/AIDS-seen as a death sentence in the 1980s-is still met with stigma, fear, discrimination and shame. When it comes to achieving this year’s theme, “Take the rights path: My health, my right,” the global leaders are expected to address the inequalities that are the roadblocks to eradicating AIDS. Meanwhile, a cure for HIV does not exist as of now. As such, antiviral drugs, rapid tests, HIV diagnostics and human immunodeficiency virus therapeutics could help the world end AIDS as a public threat by 2030.

Underscoring Human Immunodeficiency Virus Therapeutics

Human immunodeficiency virus decimates CD4 cells (an essential part of the immune system), without which the individual may get life-threatening infections. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is seen as a potent weapon for the long battle against HIV, alluding to the growth trajectory of the antiviral drugs market. Mayo Clinic asserts that people diagnosed with HIV should take ART, which can reduce the amount of HIV in the blood. According to UNAID , 30.7 million people accessed antiretroviral therapy by the end of December 2023; the organization has set a target of 34 million for 2025. In addition, 84% of pregnant women living with HIV had access to antiretroviral medicines to prevent HIV transmission to their children (in 2023).

Human immunodeficiency virus therapeutics market has become pivotal in pushing the case for ART to reduce morbidity and mortality and enhance people’s quality of life. The expanding application of HIV treatment to enhance or protect the immune function, suppress the viral load and negate the risk of cancers and infections linked with HIV will strengthen the need for therapeutics.

What makes HIV Diagnostics and Rapid Tests Instrumental?

HIV infections have become a manageable chronic health condition, thanks to concerted efforts to diagnose HIV through rapid diagnostic tests. HIV testing becomes critical given that 40% of new HIV diagnoses are transmitted by those who are unaware of their HIV diagnosis. Quality testing and diagnosis open the gateway to treating and preventing HIV, emphasizing the growth trajectory of the rapid tests market.

In April 2024, the National Institutes of Health awarded USD 2.9 million to a team of Colorado State University researchers to develop a new diagnostic platform to create more accurate and user-friendly at-home HIV tests. Meanwhile, in November 2023, researchers at Tulane University came up with a new and rapid test that can detect HIV and Tuberculosis at the same time. These trends suggest the HIV diagnostics market is taking the right path toward fulfilling SDG-3.

HIV Clinical Trials that Have Shaped the Industry

HIV clinical trials are pivotal to finding better ways to prevent, detect or treat HIV. Studies of vaccines and new medicines to treat and prevent HIV-related infections have picked pace. To illustrate, in June 2024, the National Institutes of Health, under the aegis of Gilead Sciences, Inc., started the twice-yearly HIV prevention injection. The mid-stage studies will reportedly analyze lenacapavir’s acceptability, safety and pharmacokinetics. The FDA has already given a green signal to the antiretroviral drug-lenacapavir.

With the future of HIV treatment being person-centered, studies have suggested that ‘Lenacapavir’ has the innate ability to provide a range of person-centric options for HIV treatment. The HIV clinical trials market could well navigate the potential cure for HIV. For instance, in April 2023, UC Davis Health researchers, in their clinical trial, reportedly dosed the second participant to identify the possible cure for HIV (using CAR T-cell therapy).

Significance of Immunoassay

Notable advancements in HIV diagnostics and scientific research have played a catalyst role in combating AIDS. Developments in the immunoassays for HIV detection have fueled the detection of HIV-specific antibodies. For instance, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is performed to test a patient’s blood sample for antibodies. The prevailing trend in the immunoassay market alludes to investments in HIV qualitative tests. In April 2024, Cepheid announced the WHO prequalification of Xpert HIV-1 Qual XC. The test has reportedly been given the nod for use in early diagnosis of adults, adolescents and infants.

The Roadmap

Can AIDS be eradicated by 2030? UNAIDS may be shooting the moon to end AIDS as a public health threat; however, investments and technological advancements in clinical trials, HIV therapeutics and diagnostics could help global leaders achieve the unthinkable. UNAIDS notes that funding for HIV dipped by 7.9% from 2020 to 2023. An uptick in funding is paramount as USD 19.8 billion was available for the AIDS response in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in 2023, short of USD 29.3 billion, which will be needed for the AIDS response in LMICs in 2025.

People living with AIDS see the light at the end of the tunnel to combat the HIV epidemic and address stigma to attain audacious, time-bound and measurable targets. Indeed, the path that ends AIDS is the rights path!